Emotional stress in dogs
A close-up look at emotional stress in dogs — and how our own stress contributes to theirs. None of us is a stranger to stress. It affects many levels of our lives, and it also affects our dogs. Generally, the human and animal body is influenced by three types of stress: chemical (pesticides, medications, vaccinations, by-products of normal metabolism), physical (injuries, exercise), and emotional (thoughts, perceptions, experiences). This first of this two-part article will focus on the emotional aspect of stress, and how our own...
What to Expect When You Switch to Feeding Fresh
You’ve decided to switch your pet from shelf-stable to fresh food – that’s great! If we had to guess, you too believe that the future of pet food looks a little something like this: recipes made with fresh, whole ingredients that are gently cooked without preservatives, and are kept in the fridge where meats belong. But what makes fresh food stand out from the rest? It all comes down to the positive physical and behavioral changes you’ll notice in your pet once you make the switch to fresh, healthy dog food. What...
How to enhance your dog’s learning ability
Improving your dog’s well-being through things like bodywork, diet, and quality time enhances her learning ability – and her quality of life! Do you have the power to enhance your dog’s learning ability? The short answer is “yes”! While some breeds such as border collies and German shepherds have a reputation for being the “smartest” canines, the truth is that all dogs are capable of retaining and applying a lot more knowledge than you might think. And we can sharpen their intelligence even further!...
Ways to Help your Pet Transition into Colder Temperatures
Whether you’re ready or not, colder temperatures are just around the corner. From clothing and accessories to blankets and heating devices, Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza, shares the best ways you can help your pet transition into colder temperatures. How does cold weather affect dogs? The holiday season is approaching and that comes with cold weather. I admit that this is my favorite time of year, but for some of my patients, it causes new or re-emerging problems to arise. Cold weather can affect your dog in many ways: Osteoarthritis: Like...
Decoding pet food marketing jargon
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Does your dog bark too much?
Dogs bark for many reasons, but if your own pooch is too “talkative”, it’s important to discover why, and find positive ways to curb his barking behavior. Let’s admit it. Barking dogs can be annoying, not to mention stressful. And when it’s your own dog who’s barking all the time, it can also lead to embarrassment. In some cases, an excessively-barking dog can cause a rift between neighbors and even family members. This article looks at why dogs sometimes bark too much, and what you can do to train this...
“Trust but verify” when selecting supplements for your dog or cat
Finding answers to some simple questions can make product selection much easier. Supplements can play a key role in helping your dog or cat live a long, healthy, happy life. This is particularly true when they’re incorporated as an element of whole animal care that also includes a high quality diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary checkups, and a stimulating environment with training and socialization. Many consumers believe that if a product has made its way to the store shelf, it must come from a reputable and responsible...
Which breeds make the best service dogs?
Service dogs play a valuable role in the lives of those with long-term physical, mental, and emotional illnesses and disorders. Here’s a look at the breeds that make the best service dogs. You already know what a positive impact your dog has on your happiness and well-being. But for people dealing with certain chronic illnesses or conditions, a canine companion in the form of a service dog can improve their quality of life beyond reckoning, and in many cases may even be life-saving. Are there certain breeds that are better suited for...
Meet Our New Plant-Based Meal: Spring & Sprout
Developed in partnership with Freshpet’s veterinarian nutritionist, Freshpet’s new recipe, Spring & Sprout, is crafted with natural, plant-based protein, cage-free eggs, and fresh veggies. It’s a meal suited for perfectly balanced nutrition that dogs can thrive on. The result is a healthy, planet-friendly, plant-based meal that has even more protein than conventional pet food! Spring & Sprout has been developed and tested to meet all AAFCO nutritional requirements for adult dogs, is vegetarian and meat-free, and...
Why Does My Dog Lick Its Paws?
Paw licking is a common habit among all types of dogs, but what exactly does this behavior mean? While it’s perfectly normal for a dog to lick its paw occasionally, if this behavior appears suddenly and is happening for prolonged periods of time, it could indicate an underlying issue. Why is my dog licking its paws and how can I get them to stop? There are a number of reasons why your dog may be licking its paws, ranging from health to behavioral issues. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why your dog may be licking its...
